Where is your focus?

There is so many distractions meant to make us feel fear, despair, discouragement and anxiety. The foundations of our life are shaking. There’s flashing lights in one direction. There’s darkness in the world, there’s chaos in leadership, there’s even attempts to cause fear over logic.

We have been given a sound mind, we must use it for truth!

Our eyes see an uncertain world, our bodies feel an unknown shaking, our feet feel the ground move. It’s kind of like feeling the ground shake, and not knowing where the earthquake comes from. Our uncertain feeling brings heartache and we feel ourselves distract from our focus on God to focus on circumstance.

I suppose it’s no different than having a teenager get a drivers license or even before that happens, passing a permit test and teaching your teen how to safely drive in a road full of cars. The potential problems of road rage, distracted driving of others, or your teen are possible. The use of alcohol or marijuana or any other drug is a hazard that we pray does not affect our family.

The Bible reminds us through scripture to fix our eyes on him and his plans and promises.

Proverbs 4:20-26 NLT
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. [21] Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, [22] for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. [23] Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. [24] Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. [25] Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. [26] Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.

So where is your focus? Is it on the circumstance, the future of the world, the chaos in relationships?

Philippians 4:8-9 NLT
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. [9] Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

The only way we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding is trusting in the God who knows the future. Despite the flashing lights, despite media, despite the anxieties and fears of the world, despite the darkness: He is the Alpha and Omega! He is the beginning and the end. He is el Shaddai, He is Elohim! His Word is life not death and darkness. His word is hope despite what we see.

So when the ground is shaking, your mind is overwhelmed, hold onto Scripture truths to meditate on bring peace:

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Isaiah 40:28-31 AMP
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become tired or grow weary; There is no searching of His understanding. [29] He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He increases power. [30] Even youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, [31] But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 AMP
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. [13] Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Our endurance can be built on our faith in God. One of my first memorized scriptures is from Romans. Let your endurance be built in the same way. Focus on the Lord!

Anne Wilson’s song, “Strong” is an anthem of faith and trust in God despite circumstances. Let it be a great melody of your faith in Him.

Strong

We are dust!

Created from the dust, Adam was created by our Creator God! We are his descendents, we are dust! Just as the Lord breathed His breath of life into Adam, The same Creator God breathes life into us.

Deep breath! Go ahead take another deep breath! Breathe deep and slow to 4 counts! Now slowly release that loving lung filled oxygen, to a count of 7. Clear out the crud you may have been fighting to clear ( just like me this month), deep breathe and clear out the clogged bronchioles.

Awe, feel the awe of a cleared mind by a cleared lung. We have work to do. He knows how weak we are, He breathes His strength to heal.

Psalm 103:13-19 NLT
[13] The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. [14] For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here.

The wind blows, our days on earth are unknown. What are you doing with your time?

17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

He made the heavens and the earth! He made all things. He is faithful to His children. He is faithful to those who obey His commands. His love extends to those who fear Him, in reverence and awe.

Fear of God by Brooke Ligertwood. What a powerful anthem of the praise and power when we have the fear of God!

Fear of God

Brooke sings, “Lift up your voice if God has called you to, He will give you supernatural power to do the work He calls you to do”. The Word of God supports this promise from our Creator God.

Psalm 103:8-22 NLT
The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [9] He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. [10] He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. [11] For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. [12] He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [13] The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. [14] For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. [17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

He knows we are weak, He gives love unconditionally, let me say it again, His love remains forever with those who fear Him (respect and honor)! Praise Him alone!

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT
[5] You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

2 Corinthians 4 reminds us, we are fragile clay jars but contain a great treasure. Our great power comes from God! Plug into the source of all Light and illuminate His power as you walk in His ways!

Anointing

Anointing oil was used in the beginning of the Bible in Exodus and it is relevant for us today! We were shown an example of the calling into the Kingdom of God with Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 29: 1 -9 Moses consecrated Aaron and his sons, to serve God as priests, and as a result in that particular scripture, anointing oil was poured over Aarons’ head to anoint him so he could bring Godly wisdom to the people.

As moms, dads, sisters, and brothers, we are called to seek wisdom from God, first, and to share it with our children. In connection with the Old Testament use of anointing oil, we use anointing oil because we are set apart; our homes and our children affect generations.

As believers under the new covenant, we are Holy by faith and the Holy Spirit working in us. The anointing oil is a New Testament mystery. We use it by faith because the apostles used it and we follow their example as Christ’s followers!

Isn’t it amazing to think God gives us the tools, the weapons of warfare so that we can guide our children and our families? We have many tools at our disposal: accepting Him as Lord and Savior, seeking the Holy Spirit, believing He is the wisdom giver including his gifts in words and tongues, prayer and intercession with Him, praise for His goodness, quality time in His Word, fasting, fellowship, and accountability with fellow believers, and anointing oil is essential to our healing.

Psalm 133:1-3 (msg) “How wonderful, how beautiful and brothers and sisters get along. It’s costly anointing oil flowing down his head and beard flowing down Aaron’s beard flowing down the collar of the priestly robes just like the dew on Mount Herman. This is where God commands the blessing, and ordains eternal life”.

1 Samuel 16:1 -13 (msg) (paraphrase)shares how Samuel was called to find a new king, and how God directed Samuel to fill his flask with anointing oil and sent him to Jesse of Bethlehem. Samuel was afraid because he was afraid of Saul. the current king would kill him and yet Samuel listened to God. Samuel followed God‘s directions, and ultimately this him to Jesse’s sons. None of the sons were considered by God to be worthy of being anointed to be the next King. Even Samuel was surprised as he went through each one of the sons, all seven, and Samuel was blunt with Jesse, and said, “Where is your other son”, then Jesse said in verse 12 “My last son the runt is tending sheep” and that was David so in verse 13 Samuel took the flask of oil, anointed David with his brothers standing around watching, and the Spirit of God entered David like a rushing wind and God vitally empowered David for the rest of his life.

So why do we use anointing oil as a spiritual weapon?

Mark 6:13 (KJV) “And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them”.
Isaiah 10:27(KJV) “It will come to pass, and that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck of the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil”.
James 5:14 (KJV) says “Anyone sick among you let him call the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord.”

How do we use anointing oil? I use essential oil, but you can use olive oil. Frankincense is my favorite as the home smells of the essence of Jesus ( it was at His birth and death)! Carry your Bible and declare these scriptures included in this discussion as needed. You do not battle alone He strengthens you!

Read Psalm 91 anointing your home windows and doors.

Psalm 91:1-16 NLT
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [3] For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly diseases. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. [5] Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. [6] Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. [7] Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. [8] Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. [9] If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, [10] no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. [11] For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. [12] They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. [13] You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! [14] The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. [15] When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. [16] I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Pray God’s blessing on all who live in your home and enter it.

Anoint yourself and your family: Pray God’s provision and goodness with gratitude.

Matthew 11:28-30 ( at the neck base of the skull), anoint pillows (the visual for a yoke is an oxen attached to another to provide direction in the fields and plow for a harvest) Jesus wants us to submit or yoke ourselves to Him!

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Deuteronomy 28:1,3-6 NLT
“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the world’s nations. [3] Your towns and your fields will be blessed. [4] Your children and your crops will be blessed. The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed. [5] Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed. [6] Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.

Psalm 84:11 NLT
For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Psalm 4:8 NLT
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

Mark 12:29-30 NLT
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. [30] And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

Use the spiritual weapons given to us by God, Ephesians 6, and live in spiritual, emotional, and physical health by the blood of Jesus despite life circumstances!

3 John 1:2 NLT
Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.

Weary

Surprise, life can make you weary? Things can seem upbeat and positive one moment, calm periods of blissful peace and then just as an ocean has swirls, huge waves like a tsunami return, so reflective of our lives. As the tide turns, so does our life circumstances.

I used to think challenges were a punishment because I failed to achieve perfection by some anonymous standard. However, the more I ponder life I see opportunity to ask God, “what are you trying to teach me? Open my eyes to what I need to see in relationships, in myself that needs adjustment, or how can I grow deeper with You, Lord?”

The challenges can cause weariness and lead us to despair unless we share the burdens with our Savior Jesus.

Did you know even the most known men and women in the Bible have had times of weariness? So when you feel weary and exhausted by the daily circumstances, rejoice, you are in present company with the family of faith. Press on with God!

Moses had many times of feeling overwhelmed, in Exodus 17, he needed extra support from his relationship with God and his friends to lead the Israelites from Egypt. Jonathon, the best friend of David became weary watching his father Saul plan to kill David multiple times. David became weary being chased knowing Saul wanted him dead. Job was weary after multiple despairs in health, family deaths, loss of his status, and more.

Scriptures that remind us to find strength in God:

Jesus felt the weariness of His disciples and He gave a call for their weariness. Matthew 11 is a great reminder to seek Him.

David wrote many psalms describing his weariness and yet gratitude for Gods’ faithfulness.

Psalm 63:1-5 NLT
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. [2] I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. [3] Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! [4] I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. [5] You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.

Psalm 119:27-32 NLT
Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. [28] I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. [29] Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. [30] I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. [31] I cling to your laws. LORD, don’t let me be put to shame! [32] I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.

Isaiah carried the burden of prophet to people who refused to listen to the Lords instructions. He was shunned, he was laughed at yet he still spoke the truth of God. One of my favorite scriptures to post in my home is Isaiah 40:28-31.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. [29] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. [30] Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. [31] But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

We can grow weary moment to moment. We can spin our anxiety into a spider web of knots that entangle our minds and souls or we can meditate on His Word. His Word can illuminate the truth that mattered in the old examples of faith in the Bible. His truth still matters today.

Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [10] Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.

Don’t give up, instead, dig into the Word of God, the Bible! It is just the right wisdom for a new year and new life. May 2024 bring you more insight, more peace and hope despite the distractions in life. Stay the course with God! He didn’t leave or forsake His people in the past nor will He leave you in the future.

Ride the waves of life with the Creator of life!

Hope at Christmas

Take a deep breath. Take a deep breath to the count of four. Exhale to the count of 4 to 6. Feel your body calming down and your mind clearing. I’ll take another deep breath and do the same in and out. Breathe in and out.

We can find the peace that surpasses all human understanding, and gain a clear mind, when we remember the one, Our Creator God, who gives us breath.

Our next step to find hope comes when we stop and give thanksgiving to the same God who has plans for our lives. speak aloud your gratitude for who you are.

Psalm 103:1-6,8,15-22 NLT
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. [2] Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [3] He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. [4] He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. [5] He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! [6] The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. [8] The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. [17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

As we get closer to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s’ birth, we are given a yearly opportunity to meditate on the goodness of our God! When He created the heavens and earth, He had unconditional love and a plan for His children.

He created Adam from the dust, and Eve, from Adam’s’ rib as his helper (Hebrew word, is Eber!) Even though Adam ( the first Son) and Eve, his partner, sinned in the Garden of Eden, God did not give up on His relationship with His children.

God still had plans to guide our lives and watch over us! He holds the whole world in His hands. Hope in Jesus not the symbols of religion, it’s about a relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Psalm 32:8 NLT
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

The hope of the world is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the bridge to our relationship with God! He came as a baby ( half man and half God). He was born of the Virgin Mary who humbled herself to be used by God.

Matthew 1:18-19 NLT
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. [19] Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Joseph, her soon to be husband had a visit from an angel as well. The Holy Spirit shared the amazing miracle to come.

Matthew 1:20-21 NLT
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. [21] And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Lord God used simple people to achieve His plans. They submitted to His plans and we, His children have benefitted for generations.

Matthew 1:22-23 NLT
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: [23] “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

He came to bring us new life, as a baby, born in a manger. He came for poor and rich, for all nations, tribes and tongues. He came for you and me!

The nativity shows a small microcosm of Gods’ children. The host of angels singing praise and Glory to the Lord. This snapshot of peace, love, grace and Gods’ provision isn’t for small children but for all Gods’ children; young and old.

Luke 2:13-14 GNT
Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

So this Christmas, take the time to thank your Heavenly Father for not giving up on His children. Thank Him for the hope found when you accept the free gift of love, grace and mercy, that came as a baby.

He is the Savior of the world! We need to extend our hearts, minds, and hands and openhanded accept Him!

John 12:46 AMP
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.

Peace Be still

Storms will rage, but Jesus calms the storm. We must believe He can. His ways are not our ways! Don’t look to the left or right, listen for the truth in the Word of God!

Luke 8: 22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

We can go through hardship and feel at our breaking point. We can feel the restless sea under our feet. Our eyes can’t see the future but we have to step out in faith and trust the One who existed from the beginning and will live in eternity. Faith will rise up in us when we believe He can calm the storms.

“Peace, Be Still” by the Belonging (featuring Lauren Daigle) shares the importance of stepping out in faith and trusting God!

Breaking free of toxic environments and people can give us a chance to start again. Freedom is within our grasp, reach out to Jesus! Whether you are a parent, friend, or family member, watching those you love in stormy times can be heartbreaking. We must cast all our cares on Him for He cares for you and your loved one.

1 Peter 5: 5 -11 5b“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”⁶So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ⁷Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.⁸Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers^[b] all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.¹⁰In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. ¹¹All power to him forever! Amen.

Ask for Him to show you the path. Let the waves wash away the gritty sand and set your feet on the Rock! His foundation stands firm.

Sheep need a Shepherd!

Sheep are amazing creatures! They are cuddly cute as a lamb. They are sturdy in structure, they provide wool to bring warmth on a winters day. They follow other sheep blindly at times seeking a safe well fed environment.

However, sheep are also stubborn, don’t seek the easiest path, follow the leader, even if a fellow sheep goes near a cliff. They need a good shepherd to guide them. They need a poke by the shepherds staff to redirect their steps. They can run in fear and get lost.

Humans are no different! We are stubborn, don’t seek the best path, can be led to foolishness, in fear, we can take a cliff dive without meaning too.

John 10:1-16 NLT
“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! [2] But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. [5] They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” [6] Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, [7] so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. [9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [10] The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

The Lord is a Good Shepherd! Do not be afraid, He is our God! He wants you to lean into Him above all the noise! He is Almighty God!

He is the maker of heaven and earth ! The earth is His footstool! He wants all His children to come to Him and be saved!

Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

He gives His children multiple chances to seek His face. He is the Ancient of Days! He is the Alpha and Omega!!

Ancient Gates is a powerful song by Brooke Ligertwood. The lyrics speak of His greatness!

Ancient Gates by Brooke Ligertwood

My pastor shared this week about this concept, He is our Shepherd, He wants us to enter His gates so we can be safe with Him. Yes, our Shepherd may need to discipline our stupidity and foolish impulsive choices. However, our Shepherd loves us and sees His children.

John 10:11-16 [11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. [12] A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. [13] The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, [15] just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

Despite the multiple distractions the world or others bring, praise Him in the hills and valleys. Praise for Him pushes back the darkness!!! Enter His gate and be changed for His plans. So run to Him, He is ready with open arms to lead His sheep ( He is a good, good Shepherd)!

Fear destroys

Fear destroys not only the one who is afraid but others in the relationship. Fear sets a fire of anxiety, anger, and impulsive words that can’t be taken back.

God calls us to be self-controlled and cast out all fear. There are many scriptures describing the need to trust God over fear, here are three examples.

Exodus 14:13-14,16-17 NLT
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. [14] The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Isaiah 66:5 NLT
Hear this message from the LORD, all you who tremble at his words: “Your own people hate you and throw you out for being loyal to my name. ‘Let the LORD be honored!’ they scoff. ‘Be joyful in him!’ But they will be put to shame.

1 John 4:18-19 NLT
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. [19] We love each other because he loved us first.

God calls us to be strong and courageous and trust Him. We need His strength to endure life’s challenges!

Daniel 10:19 NLT
“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

God calls us to not live in fear and timidity, but live with a sound mind and self control that comes as a reward for our faith in God!

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So why do we let fear rule our emotions and destroy our relationships? It’s because we don’t trust God, or we allow disappointment from past experiences to color our feelings toward another person. We allow preconceived notions the active projection onto another person. This destroys not just the person in fear, but many others through a domino effect.

Who wins when we let fear reign? The devil and his schemes cause destruction and we loose our faith and trust in God. This leads to our anxiety and anger emotions tumbling out in words that hurt instead of sharing compassion and the love of Christ.

What must we do when words are hurled by others due to fear?
First, we must remember the devil wants to destroy families and relationships that are wanting to represent God. Second, we ask God to help us understand the other person, pray for a revelation of their perspective, third, we must ask God to help us forgive the hurtful words. Fourth, we may need to step back from the person, take a walk, seek wisdom from the Bible. Fifth, we must give grace and mercy to a fellow sinner for making a mistake. ( Hopefully there is repentance in the heart of the offender, this is the only way the relationship can be restored).

There are times when we may need to walk away from another person. Seek Gods wisdom for this!

Psalm 27:1-14 MSG
Light, space, zest- that’s GOD! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing. [2] When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces. [3] When besieged, I’m calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool. [4] I’m asking GOD for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. [5] That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. [6] God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to GOD. [7-8] Listen, GOD, I’m calling at the top of my lungs: “Be good to me! Answer me!” When my heart whispered, “Seek God,” my whole being replied, “I’m seeking him!” Don’t hide from me now! [9-10] You’ve always been right there for me; don’t turn your back on me now. Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me; you’ve always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but GOD took me in. [11-12] Point me down your highway, GOD; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you’re on. Don’t throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats. [13-14] I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with GOD! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with GOD.

Tremble is an amazing song by Mosaic MSC from years ago, it reminds you where to find peace, it’s with Jesus. In Jesus Name we can push back the darkness. He makes the darkness tremble and He silences fear!

Tremble by Mosaic MSC

Out of the ashes of attempted destruction from fear, there can be restoration and new life! Don’t quit! Stay with God! He will never abandon you!

Steps into the Light

One step at a time, one moment at a time, reach for the Light in the darkness. Don’t stay captured by the past; choices and trauma that want to keep you stuck in the dark places.

Step into the Light and reach for the One who knows all about the past, your present, and your future. He extends His hand, seeks your beautiful face, and wants you to trust Him, He is Jesus!!

A friend and dear Sister Prayer Warrior sent me this song, ” You’re Gonna Be Okay” by Brian and Jenn Johnson. The lyrics are so powerful. You are never too far gone, His Hope is a free will choice away. Call out to Jesus today, take a step closer to a new beginning and a new life.

In your weakness, He works to bring you new strength. He is the Light in the Darkness!! He also brings across your path, like-minded people to help share your joys and trials. I am so blessed by the village of His people; men and women, both in person and far away.

Psalm 112 1-10 (The Message)   Hallelujah!
Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,
Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright—how blessed!
Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—
God’s grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
They lavish gifts on the poor—
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!
Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There’s nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.

Sunrise breaks through the darkness! Take your steps with Him to Light your path!

Jesus wants to lighten the burdens of your life, first comes trust in Him, second, comes declaring Jesus is your Savior, repenting (turning from the past choices that led you into a desert wilderness), and saying aloud, ” Jesus, I choose you today, do with my life what you will, I want a new life with you. Thank you for dying for me and loving me, a sinner! Amen!

Matthew 11: 28 - 30   28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Hope and Light

Light, it is the thing that illuminates our path. It brightens our day. It provides a vision through the darkness. Light, it is what the Lord brings to us when we’re in the midst of storms and struggles. Light, it is what we need, today, in this dark world, more than anything else. Scripture tells us that He, the Lord, Jesus, is a light for our path. It is the guidance we need when things seem chaotic and insecure.

When God created the world and everything in it, He started with light. He created light on the first day.

Genesis 1:2-5 AMP
The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. [4] God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness. [5] And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Light came from Him! He separated it from the darkness. He had plans from the beginning of time for this amazing wonder on the earth and within us!

Genesis 1:14-18 AMP
Then God said, “Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days, and years; [15] and let them be useful as lights in the expanse of the heavens to provide light on the earth”; and it was so, [just as He commanded]. [16] God made the two great lights—the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night; He made the [galaxies of] stars also [that is, all the amazing wonders in the heavens]. [17] God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, [18] to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.

With Gods’ direction, Moses lead the people of Israel through the desert wilderness. It was God’s pillar of smoke, and the light that directed their path.

God guided His people as explained in Nehemiah, God sustained them.

Nehemiah 9:11-12 AMP
You divided the sea before them, So that they passed through the midst of the sea on dry land; You hurled their pursuers into the depths, Like a stone into mighty and raging waters. [12] And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light the way for them In which they were to go.

We also must walk in the Light despite the darkness seeming to swirl around us! Do not forget to praise in the storms, it can push away depression, anxiety and fear.

Psalm 56:10-13 AMP
In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise, [11] In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [12] Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will give thank offerings to You. [13] For You have rescued my soul from death, Yes, and my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of life.

Choosing to follow the Creator of Light by following His promises can seem impossible but nothing is impossible with God!

Psalm 112:4 AMP
Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous (upright—in right standing with God).

Seeking the Lord at these times is mandatory! He will light your path and bring hope in the darkness that is internal and eternal when we trust in Him alone. Jesus is the Prince of Peace!

Isaiah 42:16 AMP
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandoned or undone.”

He wants our free will choice for His plans, we were created to make our own personal decision. He loves us and wants us to choose Him.

He tells us in Isaiah 58 what will be our reward:

Isaiah 58:8-12 AMP
Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth; Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity], The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. [9] Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away from your midst the yoke [of oppression], The finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and [every form of] wicked (sinful, unjust) speech, [10] And if you offer yourself to [assist] the hungry And satisfy the need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. [11] And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. [12] And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up and restore the age-old foundations [of buildings that have been laid waste]; You will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Let Him repair and restore your life bringing more of His Light to the world!

John 8:12 AMP
Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

What does it mean to be baptized in Jesus Christ?

Romans 6:3-5 MSG
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.

How can we bring His Light to others? It is not about us it is about bringing hope to others about Him!

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 MSG
Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

Our human minds can’t fully grasp how Jesus may use our life story!

1 John 1:7 AMPC
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].

Walk in the Light, find hope in His promises, ask Him to direct your steps to His sisters and brothers, , there is freedom in His Arms. Then shine your Light for all to see Him!

Father, I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace and mercy! Please forgive me for my selfish ways, my impulsive choices that have led to death. I want new life in your love, Jesus! I repent ( turn away) from the sins that have held me captive to the enemy___________. Forgive me of my sins. Fill my life with you, Jesus! I place my life in Your hands! I give you permission to guide my path! Thank you Jesus! I want your Light to shine through me! Amen!